Am often describing how Chinas economic development is beating the wests crony capitalism but it is erroneous to assert I am pro China overall.
Just because I acknowledge the effectiveness of Chinas mercantile economic system with its mix of state led strategic development and subsidiary free markets does not mean I love all aspect of modern China.
As a westerner much of it is alien and frightening to me.
Have traded with china and read extensively on China...it pays to understand those you are dealing with!
I found China and Chinese culture and history are fascinating and complex but that many here on SN and in the west generally are woefully ignorant/misinformed and thus also fearful/ill-informed of China in terms of history and current situation.
There is nothing new about this- 'The Yellow Peril' was 19th century fear and hysteria about China. China is simply so alien to western minds that it is naturally a source of misunderstanding and fear- and misinformed ignorance.
Hoping to promote more understanding of this as it is a major challenge to our western democracies and the economic and cultural dominance western civilisation has enjoyed for the last 500 years.
Am not saying China is 'good' or 'bad' but that it is important to understand!
Strongly suggest reading about The Opium Wars and any or all of Peter Hesslers fantastic books on China ('Country Driving' is the best for gaining understanding of Chinas economic development strategy) for any westerner to gain a better understanding of China.
IMO our ignorance of China is the greatest danger to us ourselves and its an own goal if we do not get more knowledge and understanding of China.